2011/02/13

Valentine with the Aztec Emperor Montezuma ヴァレンタインとアステカの王様

The favorite drink of Aztec Emperor Montezuma II (1502 - 1520 ) was a chocolate base drink with chillies , spices , vanilla and wine , with a froth consistency and it was served cold .

"The divine drink , which builds up resistance and fights fatigue . A cup of precious drink ( cocoa ) permits a man to walk for a whole day without food . " - Montezuma II .

"XOCOATL" was the name of this Aztec cocktail , which means "xoco" ( bitter ) and "ATL" ( water )

People have been drinking chocolate for a long time . Some records date back before THE OLMECS (around 1500 BC to 400 BC ) , the Mayans used to grew cacao trees at the backyard , and the Aztecs used to drinks their " xocoatl " . Only in the16th century the chocolate arrived in Europe , after the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire .

It didn't take so much time until someone came up with the idea to ad milk , ad sugar , serve it hot , and after hundreds and hundreds years later people still drinking , making chocolate cakes , making chocolate ice creams , etc etc etc .

Very soon is the Valentain's Day , and inspired by the Montezuma Xocoatl we decide to make a modern adaptation of his favorite drink .

-mix all ingredients in a shaker , including the slice of ginger , shake well and pour in a glass . Fill up with extra dry ginger ale . Garnish with a slice of Ginger , Strawberry suits well too .

Emperor Montezuma used to drink many goblets per day , specially before war combat and before going to his harem . It was believed that "xocoatl" drink was an aphrodisiac , very often used in that time to give energy and enhance the sex libido.